JASON HYLTONMarine Jason Hylton, who died on 12 November, 2006, at the age of 33, was an outstanding Royal Marine, described by his squadron's second-in-command as "a bright and enthusiastic man with a promising career ahead of him."
He was killed when the patrol boat in which he was travelling was hit by an "improvised" bomb on the Shatt al-Arab waterway in Basra.
Best remembered for his infectious smile, unswerving loyalty and constant cheerfulness, he had volunteered for his current tour in Iraq shortly after finishing a deployment in the Middle East.
"Jay loved life," said his older brother, Daz. "He always had a laugh and could make you smile. He will be sadly missed by a lot of people, including nephews and nieces, friends and family."
Marine Jason Hylton was born in 1973, in Church Gresley, Derbyshire. An intelligent man, with a level of aptitude far in excess of his peers, he first joined the Royal Marines in 2003 at the age of 30.
On completion of recruit training, he served with the 42 Commando Royal Marines as a rifleman, before volunteering to become a Landing Craftsman in 2004 and subsequently training at Royal Marines Poole.
From there, he joined 4 Assault Squadron as a Landing Craft Utility Crewman and served onboard HMS Bulwark for 18 months.
2006 saw his first operational deployment, posted to the Middle East with 4 Assault Squadron where he "epitomised the true commando spirit" and proved himself a capable, intelligence and loyal soldier.
Indeed, it was this unswerving loyalty which, in November, 2006, led him to volunteer for deployment to Iraq with Raiding Troop, 539 Assault Squadron.
Although older than most recruits, he once again made his mark, joining Operation TELIC as a Rigid Raider Craft Coxswain, a position his second-in-command Major Nathan Hale thought he had "adapted exceptionally well to."
Marine Hylton's promising career, however, came to a tragic end on 12 November, 2006, when his patrol boat was hit by a makeshift bomb on the eastern edge of Basra. He died at the age of only 33, along with three other Squadron members - Warrant Officer Class 2 Lee Hopkins, Corporal Ben Nowak and Staff Sergeant Sharron Elliott.
In a statement, the MoD described him as "a bright, enthusiastic and thoughtful man," well-liked by everyone who was fortunate enough to know him and professionally outstanding.
Lieutenant Colonel Haydn White, Marine Hylton's Commanding Officer, added: "A volunteer to be part of Squadron's operational deployment to Iraq he brought with him the highest levels of individual professionalism and selflessness."
Divorced with two sons, he lived with his parents in Burton-on-Trent.
Girlfriend Sasha Martin said: "He was the best boyfriend. He was my whole world."
His older brother, Mick, said he was a regular at his local pub and played in goal for its football team.
Keep me informed of updates
